Health scheme for ex-servicemen extended to WW II veterans

Facilities of Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) were on Thursday extended to over 43,000 individuals including World War II veterans, Emergency Commissioned Officers (ECOs), Short Service Commissioned Officers (SSCOs) and early retirees.

The Union Cabinet cleared the proposal to that effect which would enable such individuals to avail the benefits of cashless medical treatment in a network of over 425 ECHS polyclinics, over 2,500 empanelled private hospitals and all government hospitals throughout the country, subject to certain conditions.

"As a special dispensation, war widows will be exempt from one-time contribution to join ECHS," the government said in an official statement.

Launched by the NDA government in April 2003, the scheme provides quality medicare to 54 lakh ex-servicemen pensioners and their dependents.

--IANS

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